Broken Blossoms (1919) – D.W. Griffith

I continue to explore some of the key works of D.W. Griffith with DK Book’s The Movie Book, and this time I dive into a fascinating tale that is perhaps best told through the silent format that marked Griffith’s time. Be warned there is a lot of racism in this film. It’s in the title….

Quantum Leap (1992) – The Last Gunfighter and A Song for the Soul

Sam finds himself in the form of aged gunfighter, Tyler Means, in The Last Gunfighter. Written by Sam Rolfe and Chris Ruppenthal and airing on 5 February, 1992, Sam find himself on 28 November, 1957. Tyler Means is 82 years old. He likes his whiskey, and he likes his tall tales, especially the ones centring…

The Searchers (1956) – John Ford

John Ford and John Wayne. When it comes to westerns there are few names better, and they are my next stop in the Action section of the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book. Confederate soldier, Ethan (Wayne) returns to his family’s homestead in Texas after the end of the Civil War, where he…

Killjoys S01E04 – Vessel

  Killjoys returns to Space tonight, and our heroes, Dutch (Hannah John-Kamen), John (Aaron Ashmore) and D’Avin (Luke MacFarlane) find themselves in a bit of a mess, when they take on a warrant, from the Nine (the de fact ruling body of the Quad and owners of the Company) to recover some cargo from a badlands fortress on Westerly, and deliver…

Killjoys S01E03 – The Harvest

  Space’s new hit series, Killjoys, continues tonight, introducing us to more world-building, filling out the lead characters even more, and having a good time doing it. Minor spoilers for tonight’s show, so forewarned is forearmed… There’s some tension right from the off, as D’Avin (Luke Macfarlane) not only gets accepted to the RAC, but…

Killjoys S01E02 – The Sugar Point Run

  Killjoys returns to your screens tonight with episode 2 on Space tonight. We get a little bit more in world-building, get a brief look at the larger arc of the season, and learn more about some of the cultures and worlds at work in the Quad. The Company turns to the neutral party of…

Killjoys S01E01 – Bangarang

  Tonight, Space uveils its latest series from Michelle Lovretta the creator of cult hit, Lost Girl, the futuristic show filled with all manner of bad-assery (totally a word), Killjoys. The series follows a trio of bounty hunters, who follow the credo, The Warrant is All, in a far-flung tomorrow as they make a living amongst a cluster…

The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) – Orson Welles

  This is the first time I’d seen this one, and honestly, it was the first time I’d ever heard of it. That being said, I quite liked this film by Welles, which serves as one of the recommended follow-up titles to my viewing of Citizen Kane from the Great Movies – 100 Years of…

2061: Odyssey Three (1987) – Arthur C. Clarke

  The third novel in the Odyssey series sees mankind continuing exploration of the solar system, with the return of Halley’s comet, and a scientific expedition/cruise ship heading to the infrequent solar visitor to attempt an historic landing. There are other parties at work though, eager eyes are turning to the clouded atmosphere of Europa,…

Despicable Me 2 (2013) – Pierre Coffin & Chris Renaud

  Gru (Steve Carell) and his adopted daughters the adorable Agnes (Elsie Fisher), ninja-in-training Edith (Dana Gaier) and just discovered boys Margo (Miranda Cosgrove) are back in the follow-up to the 2010 family friendly hit. This time around, Gru, now living the straight and narrow, and being the best dad he can be, even if…